Car Rental in Guadeloupe - All You Need To Know
March 08, 2025
Teeming with history, idyllic beaches and mouth-watering food, the peaceful Caribbean island of Guadeloupe is a delight to explore by road, making renting a car a popular choice.
The island is actually part of an archipelago of more than 12 islands, islets and rocks situated where the northeastern Caribbean Sea meets the western Atlantic Ocean. Unless you’re planning to do plenty of island-hopping, then having your own car is perhaps the best and most convenient way to get the most out of your stay. When it comes to car rentals in Guadeloupe, there are a number of rules and etiquettes that it’s worth bearing in mind, all of which you’ll find in our comprehensive guide below.
Legal Considerations
To rent a car in Guadeloupe, most companies have a legal age requirement of 21, though it is not completely uncommon for companies to have a 25+ policy. If you're under 25, be ready for at least a small chance of having to pay an extra fee.
With regard to items you should always keep on your person while driving your rental car, your driver’s license probably ranks as number one. Also, if it’s not in French – the island’s native language, you might want to bring with you a translated version to help smoothen out any scenario where you’re asked to show it.
A common mistake made by drivers in foreign countries is getting the side of the road you drive on wrong. This is both illegal and dangerous, so always try to keep at the forefront of your mind the side you should be done. In Guadeloupe, cars drive on the right, just like in mainland France.
One final thing – while you’re not legally required to carry a first aid kit in your car, it’s definitely a smart idea to have one, as it can make all the difference in an emergency.
Insurance
The bare essentials are usually covered by insurance when you hire a car in Guadeloupe. By law, all rental cars here must come with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection, meaning you’re covered if you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a collision or if your cats pinched.
The majority of rental companies include this basic coverage in the insurance price, but some may offer optional extras such as Personal Accident Insurance. This can cover you in the event of injury – or worse. Personal Accident Insurance isn’t mandatory, but if you’re concerned about accidents or hefty medical bills, it may be worth thinking about.
Something else to consider: if you choose not to go for the rental company’s own insurance policy, it’s possible you’ll end up coughing up for a larger deposit or have to pay for additional coverage. So for the cheapest deal, even if it’s not your ideal insurance solution, it may be worth sticking with what’s in front of you.
Tips on Driving in Guadeloupe
While the roads in Guadeloupe are smooth and you’ll often find you have them to yourselves, there are a few aspects that do make the driving a experience a little trickier. Roads are often curvy and slightly narrow, while any local you do encounter will often be found driving extremely fast. There are also lots of roundabout so if you are not used to them, brush up on the etiquette before your arrival.
As for speed limits, as hinted at above, these aren’t often adhered to by locals, but you’ll definitely want to play by the rules as a tourist. The limit is usually 50 km/h in built up areas, while on open roads, it’s typically around 90-110 km/h.
There are a few expressways with tolls in Guadeloupe, so don’t be surprised if you come across one. These tolls are usually pretty cheap, and you’ll pay at the toll booths as you go through. Some rental companies might sort it out for you, but they could charge extra fee for doing so.
Road signs are also a staple of Guadeloupe driving – not just for speed limits, but also for warnings about sharp turns and one-way street signs. Most signs are in French, but accompanying graphics will help you interpret what they mean if you don’t speak the lingo.
Where to Park
In Guadeloupe, parking options vary depending on the location, with urban areas like Pointe-à-Pitre presenting more of a challenge than more out-of-the-way spots. Your best bet is to use designated parking zones to reduce any risk of fines or, even worse, being towed away. In smaller towns and rural areas, parking is generally more accessible, with free parking often available near beaches and other attractions. For instance, Sainte-Anne Beach offers free parking areas, though they can fill up quickly during peak times.
You should always be mindful of local parking regulations, too. Broken yellow lines indicate that parking is prohibited, and continuous yellow lines mean both stopping and parking are not allowed. One destination-specific hazard is palm trees, as it’s not uncommon for falling coconuts to damage parked vehicles, so try to avoid leaving your car under any visible trees if you can.
Local Rental Agencies
In addition to the major European car rental brands like Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, and Alamo, you'll also find a selection of local car hire companies throughout Guadeloupe. This mix of international and local options gives travellers a great variety when it comes to renting a car and exploring the island.
A popular local option is LOCA’S, whose agency is conveniently located in the town of Pointe-à-Pitre, a stone's throw from Pole Caraïbes airport, Guadeloupe’s main international airport. They offer a range of vehicles at competitive prices – often more affordable than larger international agencies. They also provide easy booking and flexible insurance options.
There are also a few local companies offering Electric Vehicle (EV) rentals on Guadeloupe, among which the most reputable is Jumbo. In fact, EVs are well catered for here, with several public chargers as well as a handful located on-site at hotels. However, if you plan on exploring quite a bit and want to avoid the stress of regular charging, you may want to think twice about an EV.
The Cost of Renting a Car in Guadeloupe
Depending on a number of factors, renting a car in Guadeloupe is usually pretty affordable compared to Europe or the US, with rates as low as $15 per day for some budget cars. However, if you’re looking for something more spacious or high-end like a sedan or an SUV, then you’re likely to be looking at around double that.
Car rental prices in Guadeloupe also fluctuate fairly significantly throughout the year. For instance, from December to April, which is peak tourism season, the average daily rental cost can be a lot higher than at other times of year. Needless to say, you should always shop around for the best car rental rates, as they can vary a lot.